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1909 
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A Sailor's Sweetheart 



A COMEDY IN ONE ACT 

BY 

OSBORN RENNIE LAMB 




OF ALL THE STARS THAT SHINE ABOVE NO MAT- 
TER WHERE WE ROAM, A SWEETHEART IS THE 
BRIGHTEST ONE TO GUIDE A SAILOR HOME 



PUBLISHED BY 

THE AMES & ROLLINSON PRESS 

NEW YORK 






COPYRIGHT 1909. 

BY OSBORN RENNIE LAMB 

DRAMATIC RIGHTS AND 

RIGHT OF TRANSLATION 

RESERVED. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two CoDies Received 

MAY 12 \90d 

■'■, Oopyngnt entry ^ 
OLASS 11 XXa Noi 



THE CHAEACTERS. 



Sir Richard Cruthers 

Jack Hurley^ his nephew 

Tom Bowline 

Mrs. Roy Roberts 

Phyllis Roberts, her daughter 



Basso 

Tenor 

Baritone 

Contralto 

Soprano 



"A SAILOK^S sWEETHEAKT/' 

Scene. 

The well known tap room of The Green Dragon Inn. 
Plymouth, England. The scene shows an old- 
fashioned public house. The back flat is the har- 
bor with its shipping — on L. is painted a hill 
with a semaphore which may be seen through 
the tavern door. A door B. enters the hotel. 
A door L. the bedroom of Phyllis. The door 
L. back is the entrance and exit to the Street. 
A large casement window {with leaded glass) 
occupies the back of the room and looks out 
upon the street. In front of this window are 
many floiver pots filled with pretty flowers in 
bloom. The taps and pumps are at R. of this win- 
dow, and an oaken table and three sturdy chairs 
stand directly in front of the pumps, leaving ample 
room to pass to the exit R. A side-board of oak 
with pewter mugs, china dishes, etc., occupies the 
R. wall, with space to pass between it and the table. 
A large old-fashioned fireplace occupies the L. wall, 
before which stand tivo Colonial chairs. Over the 
mantel of fire-place are many clay pipes, ar- 
ranged in various designs. A fire is glowing on 
the hearth, over which hangs the hot water kettle. 
Sunshine, streams through the casement windows 
and the rippling water of the harbor indicates an 
early summer morning. 

Time. 

Reign of Oeorge III., during the war with the Colonies. 
1779. Ten a. m. in the morning. Summertime. 
The Curtain is preceded by Overture. 



SCENE I. 

[As the Curtain ascends to the strains of a nautical mel- 
ody, Phyllis run^ to the large casement window 
and looks searchingly out on the harbor. Phyllis 
is a pretty maiden, about twenty years of age. She 
wears an attractive costume of the period. As the 
music is concluding, the booming of cannons is 
heard in the distance. At this Phyllis becomes 
greatly elated and sings.^ 

MUSICAL NO. 1. SOPEANO SOLO. 

Phyllis. 

[Recit.] 
At last ! at last ! ! the fleet is putting in the bay, 
My dear boy Jack is homeward bound 
My lover comes to-day. 

I. 

A brave and handsome fellow he, 

My joy, my love, my pride. 
And when he comes a-courting me, 

^Tis Heaven by his side, 
He loves me dearly that I know. 

Though long he's been away. 
But now at last he's homeward bound, 

My Jack will come to-day. 

11. 

A year ago he said farewell. 

To fight for cause and King, 
He kissed me oft, and ^ave me this, 

A little golden ring, 
Then said that e'er a year would pass. 

He'd wed me for alway. 
So now he's homeward bound at last. 

My Jack will come to-day. 



6 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

III. 

Oh ! bless the winds that wafted him, 

Across the mighty main, 
Oh ! bless you, Jack, for coming back, 

To love me once again, 
Vve been so lonely since you left, 

But now I^m bright and gay. 
For you are coming back to me. 

My Jack, you^ll come to-day. 

SCENE II. 

Enter Mks. Kobei^ts from R. 

[She is a woman of about forty-five years of age, strong 
and energetic, yet kindly and attractive. Her hair 
is slightly tinged with grey. She is attired in a 
brown dress, cut according to the fashion, over 
which she wears a large white apron with straps 
over the shoulders. Upon her head she wears 
the typical cap of the barmaids. Mrs. Egb- 
erts coming from the North of England is permit- 
ted to use the expressions lad or laddie, and lass. 
The use of the Yorkshire dialect is desirable in this 
character, but it must not be overdone, else the 
audience will not understand what she says.^ 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[She observes Phyllis.] Ah! Phyllis — Lor' bless 
ye, lass, what makes ye so happy this mornin\ 

Phyllis. 
[She takes her mother to the casement, '\ Look, 
mother, see the fleet is putting in the bay — my Jack is 
there — ^my darling Jack is coming back to me — Oh, I^m 
so happy — I^m so very happy. 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 7 

Mrs. Egberts. 
\^Sadly.'\ Khy lass^ yer foolish about that lad. Don^t 
put too much faith in sailors. 

Phyllis. 
Oh^ mother ! ! 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Naj;, lass^ I know them Better than you do. Sailors 
have sweethearts in every port. 

Phyllis. 

Ah ! but Jack^s not that sort^, mother. Jack's true as 
steel. SeC;, he gave me this ring before he sailed away. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Aye — ^but when will he marry ye ? 

Phyllis. 
\^Sur prised.'] N'ow — at once. \Slie hesitates.'] With- 
in a fortnight if I wish. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Shakes her head sadly.] Nay — not when he learns 
that he's a pauper. 

Phyllis. 
[Incredulously.] Ha^ ha^ ha^ Jack Hurley a pauper? 
Why, mother, you know he's heir to Brenton Manor, 
one of the prettiest estates in Yorkshire. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
I know that, — but what's the use of the title if the 
estate must be sold to pay his father's debts? 

Phyllis. 
[Dumbfounded.] Brenton Manor to be sold? 



8 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

Mes. Egberts. 
Aye, lass, to-morrow. 

Phyllis. 
How did you learn this, mother? 

Mrs. Egberts. 
From a friend in Yorkshire. 

Phyllis. 
[Surprised.] Why didn^t yon tell me this before? 

Mrs. Egberts. 
\_Sadly.'] I hadn^t the heart, child, — I hadn't the 
heart to do it. ISTow 'tis best that you should know the 
truth. 

Phyllis. 
[Dazed.] Yes — yes — ~ 

Mrs. Egberts. 

[Advances and puts her arms lovingly around Phyl- 
lis.] What will Jack say when he learns the truth ? 

Phyllis. 
Say! Say! [Brushing away her tears.] Oh, you 
know what he will say — you know Jack. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Well? ^Vhat will he say? 

Phyllis. 

[Desperately, imitating her lover.] He'll say — 
Phyllis, my sweetheart, I haven't a copper in the world, 
but I love you — will you be my wife ? 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Then Avhat will you say? 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART g 

Phyllis. 
\_With enthusiasm.'] V\\ say^, Jack — ^^I love you bet- 
ter than life^^ — ^^I^m as poor as you are — but I'll marry 
you and make you happy/' 

Mrs. Egberts. 
You'll say that? 

Phyllis. 
[Firmly.'] Yes ! 

Mrs. Egberts. 

[Kissing Phyllis.] Then^ God bless you^ lass, — I'll 
help you all I can. Now run away, and change your 
dress, I'll do the work to-day. 

[8he now busies herself about the room and 
sings. Phyllis enters room R.] 

MUSICAL NO. 2. 

CONTRALTG SGLG. 
I. 

'Twas not so many j^ears ago, 
When I, like Phjilis, had a beau, 

A handsome gentleman was he. 
And oft he came a-courting me. 

II. 
His name was Eoy Plantaganet, 

His father was a baronet. 
And when the hounds began to bay, 

He'd mount his horse and ride away. 

III. 
O'er hill and dale and moor and fen. 
They'd run their quarry to his den, 



10 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

And then they'd gather in the hall^ 
With Lords and Ladies — lovers all. 

IV. 

Among the throng, my Eoy was there, 
No Lord could be more debonnaire, 

He passed the wine, and led in song, 
And helped the merriment along. 

V. 

But though of ladies fair he knew, 
A score or more from every town, 

I was the only one he loved. 

Though beauty was my sole renown. 

VI. 

He bid me be his wife and wed 
And secretly we ran away, 

For we were young and foolish then. 
And love cannot withstand delay. 

VII. 

The Baronet, when he was told. 
His son had wed a country maid. 

Swore he would never see him more, 
And called his Eoy a renegade. 

VIII. 

Then Eoy the proud and haughty lad, 
Ean off and sailed away to sea. 

And since that day we think him dead. 
And that is why — And that is why — 
He comes no more a-courting me. 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART ii 

SCENE III. 

Re-enter Phyllis. 

[She is now attired in a Dolly Varden dress of silk 
brocade and has discarded her apron and bonnet. 
She advances toward Mes. Egberts, who turns 
and regards her with pride.'] 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Ah ! lass ma bonnie lass. You're a sweetheart worthy 
of a king. 

Phyllis. 
[Coquettishly,'] It^s a pretty dress mother, is it 
not?— 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Aye, that it is — 'Twas once my wedding gown. 

Phyllis. 
[Proudly.'] Then it shall be mine, too — for I'm a 
sailor's sweetheart, yon know. And sailors always like 
pretty things. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Lor^, bless ye lass, that they do, and the lad that 
marries you will get the sweetest and prettiest girl in 
all England. 

Phyllis. 
Oh! there are others as pretty as I. — [She hesitates.] 
and some of them are rich, whilst I am poor. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Knowingly.] Who knows but that you, too, may be 
rich some day? 



12 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

Phyllis. 
[Incredulously.'] Ha, ha, ha, — I rich? — No, that is 
not likely. 

Mrs. Roberts. 
• Stranger things than that have happened! 

Phyllis. 
Ha, ha, ha, — No, no. 

[Then she sings gaily the old ballad, without ac- 
companiment.] 

My face is my fortune, sir, she said, 
. Sir, she said — sir, she said, — 
My face is my fortune, sir, she said. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Ah! Phyllis, yer a merry lass, — yer the sunshine of 
my heart. It'll be a sorry day for me when yer marry 
and go away. 

Phyllis. 

[Embracing her mother.] I'll never leave you, 
mother. If Jack marries me he must promise to live 
here with us. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Half aside.] That'll not suit his lordship. [Aloud.] 
Well, we shall see. [She goes to door R.] I wonder if 
he likes a chicken pot pie as well as he used to. 

Phyllis. 
Oh, you know Jack, — he's a sailor 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Ha, ha, ha. Aye ! I know the straightest road to a 
sailor's heart is through his stomach. So don't let him 
go, Phyllis, till he's had a bit of my pasty. 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 13 

Phyllis. 
He^ll not need coaxing, I promise you, mother. 
{^Exit Mrs. Egberts. She enters room E.] 

SCENE IV. 

[Jack Hurley is heard singing off scene,'} 

Of all the stars that shine above, 

No matter where we roam, 
A sweetheart is the brightest one. 

To guide a sailor home. 
Then loose all sail, before the gale, 

Ye Jackies of the main. 
For we are homeward bound at last 

To greet our loves again. 

Enter Jack. 

[As Jack is singing the last two lines he comes 
in hurriedly .through the door {at hack) and 
runs up to Phyllis and takes her in his arms. 
Jack is attired in the uniform of the period 
1719. After he has hissed Phyllis several 
times she releases herself from his embrace 
and says.} 

Phyllis. 
[With emotion.} Ah ! my Jack — my darling Jack ! ! 
You^ve come back to me at last. 

Jack. 
Yes, sweetheart. 

Phyllis. 
Oh, promise me you^U never leave me again. I\e 
been so lonely since you left — the days have seemed like 
years. — 



14 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 



Jack, 



[Buoyantly.'] There^ there, brush away those tears. 

Phyllis. 



1^11 never leave again 



Never again? 

Jack. 
ISTo;, never, never again — Why should I. Vve every- 
thing to keep me at home now. 

Phyllis. 

Yes? 

Jack. 

First, there's you. Then there's Brenton Manor, — 
and then there's a nice income coming to me from my 
father's estate. Why should I go to sea again? — God 
knows I'm a thousand times better off here. 

Phyllis. 
[Aside.'] Poor fellow, he doesn't know the truth. 

Jack. 

Besides, when a man marries he should stay at home 
and take care of his wife. 

Phyllis. 

[Diffidently.] But suppose — 

Jack. 

Suppose what? 

Phyllis. 
Suppose you were poor instead of rich, would you 
marry then ? — 

Jack. 

[Bluntly.] But why discuss such a question — I've 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 15 

more than enough to build a little home and make you 
happy, and that's all we want. 

Phyllis. 
[Vaguely.'] Yes, of course. [Desperately, aside.] 
No, I cannot tell him, someone else must do that. 

Jack. 
What did you say, Phyllis ? 

Phyllis. 
[Evasively.] I was wondering what sort of a home 
you would build, Jack. 

Jack. 
' Listen and I'll tell you. 

[He leads her tenderly to the casement window 
and points out.] 

MUSICAL NO. 3. 

LOVE DUO. 

Jack. 
[Recit.] 

Lo ! see on yonder bow reclining, 

A robin red-breast builds her nest. 
So we, when in our years declining, 

Shall have a home in which to rest. 
We'll build about a little bower, 

O'ergrown with roses all in bloom. 
The Jessamine and every flower, 

Shall fill the air with their perfume. 

Phyllis. 
[Recit.] 
How fair — How fair — [Repeating.] 
'^^Shall fill the air with their perfume.'^ 



i6 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

Jack. 
[Recit.] 
Within a sward of softest emerald, 

Shall greet thy tiny little feet, 
A table spread Avith choicest viands, 

Will make our happiness complete, 
The bees shall bring their sweetest honey, 

The birds will sing their fairest lay, 
Nor shall we e^er have need of money, 

If I but guard thy love alway. 

Phyllis. 
[Recit.'] 
Aye ! aye ! my love thou^lt guard alway. 

How fair the picture — [Pause.'] 
Cease not I pray • 

Jack. 
[Recit.'] 
And there we^U live in simple splendor, 
And thou alone shalt reign supreme, 
I'll sing thee songs of love so tender. 

And there we'll live and love and dream. 

Phyllis. 
[Recit. Softly.] 

We'll live, and love, and dream, 
[Singing aside, her eyelids closed.] 
Is this a dream ? Or is it love ? 

This tremor now that's o'er me stealing ? 
[Pause, then suddenly in ecstasy.] 
'Tis Love ! !— 'Tis Love ! ! 
Oh, gentle Eros — god of Love — to thee I pray- 
Take not this happiness away, 
Take not this happiness away. 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 17 

Jack. 

[Recit.'] 
Phyllis — Sweetheart — She dreams. 

Phyllis. 
[Recit. Repeating.'] 
Take not this happiness away, 
Take not this happiness away. 

Jack. 
[Recit.~\ 
Sweetheart, awake ! — Love's dawn is breaking. 

Phyllis. 
[Recit. Softly.] 
Take not this happiness away. 

Jack. 
[Recit.] 

Awake ! Sweetheart, awake, my love, 
For with this kiss I thee betroth, 
Awake! Sweetheart, awake. 

[He hisses her tenderly on the lips. Then half 
dreaming, half awahe, she walks slowly to 
centre stage and stands transfixed there during 
the introduction to duo. — Then as if inspired, 
she sings the aria herewith.] 
[Phyllis sings.] 

APIA. 

Waltz tempo. 

I live, I love, I dream no more. 

My sorrows all forsaking, 
0, Love, 0, Love, with thee I soar. 

Thy happiness partaking, 



i8 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

With thee I fly^ to realms on high, 
Where harm nor fate can sever, 

The joys divine, that now entwine, 
Our plighted love forever. 

l^SJie repeats refrain.'] 
[The Cathedral Chimes are heard off scene.] 

Jack. 

[Recit.] 

Hark ! hark ! ! the sweet Cathedral chimes 

Upon the breezes swelling. 
[Chimes here.] 

Phyllis. 
[Recit.] 
Eing forth ye bellsj ye merry bells, 
Our happiness foretelling. 

Jack and Phyllis. 
Our happiness foretelling. 
[Chimes here.] 

GEAND EEPEAIN. 

PART I. 

Jack and Phyllis. 

Let us live and love forever. 

Life is fleeting as the day. 
Let not time nor fate dissever. 

Happiness shall last alway. 
We are young and time is fleeting, 

Drink we then of lovers full store, 
Life and happiness completing, 

Live we, Love we, evermore. 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 19 



PART II. 

We live^ we love^ we dream no more, 

Our sorrows all forsaking^ 
0^ Love^ 0^ Love, with thee we soar, 

Thy happiness partaking, 
With thee we fly to realms on high, 

Where harm nor fate can sever, 
The joys divine, that now entwine 

Our plighted love forever. 



20 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

SCENE V. 

Re-enter MRsrEoBERTS from R. 

[As she advances she observes Phyllis and 
Jack and says.] 

X Mrs. Egberts. 

Ah ! Mr. Hurley, I^m glad to see you back again. 

Jack. 

[With his arm around Phyllis.] You see, I've 
come to claim my sweetheart. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Advancing,'] Well, I'll say this, Mr. Hurley, 
there's no man I'd rather see have my Phyllis than you. 

Jack. 
Ah. I knew you were my friend. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Aye, that I am. And now I'll prove it to you. 
[Coyly.] Do you like chicken pasty as well as you 
used to ? 

Jack. 
Do I like chicken pasty? — ha, ha, ha, Well, try me. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Then come along with me, sir. [She takes him by 
the arm and leads him off R. As she is going she says 
to Phyllis.] Phyllis, mind the place, lass, until Mr. 
Hurley has had his fill. 

[Phyllis assents.] 
[Exeunt Mrs. Egberts and Jack, R.) 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 21 

SCENE VI. 

Enter Tom Bowline. 

[Phyllis is busily occupied arranging the china on the 
side-board, when a bo'swain whistle is heard off 
scene. She turns and sees Tom Bowline peeping 
in the street door. He is a typical sailor of the 
period and being an Irishman speaks with a strong 
brogue. Seeing that he has been observed by Phyl- 
lis, he opens the door and comes in, bowing and 
holding his hat in his hand.^ 

Tom Bowline. 
Beggin^ your pardon^ miss, is this the Grain Dragon ? 

Phyllis. 
[Regarding him suspiciously']. Yes. 

Tom Bowline. 

Will, Oi^m lookin^ fer a shipmate 0^ mine as tuk 
Frinch lave. 

Phyllis. 
Took French leave? Whafs that? 

Tom Bowline. 
Enn away. 

Phyllis. 
Then you are looking for a deserter? 

Tom Bowline. 
Not eggsactly — Oim looking fer a young blaguard of 
a midshipman, as kum ashore without the Captain^s 
permission. 

Phyllis. 
What ship are you from ? 



22 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

Tom Bowline. 
Oim oflf His Majesty's Ship Shannon. 

Phyllis. 
[Gives a convulsive start. Aside.] Jack's ship! 
[Aloud.] What was the midshipman's name? 

Tom Bowline. 
Jack Hurley, Miss. 

Phyllis. 
What would you do with him if you caught him ? 

Tom Bowline. 
Put these irons on him [Showing hand cuffs] and 
take him aboard. 

Phyllis. 
Then what would the Captain do ? 
Tom Bowline. 
Bedad he'd take it out of him. He'd putt 'im in the 
'old and fade him on brread and watter f er a week. 

Phyllis. 
Oh, that would be shameful ! 

Tom Bowline. 
Ah, devil a bit — these young bantams must learn to 
obey orders. 

Phyllis. 
Well, you see he's not here, Mister Bowline. 

[She walks over toward the sideboard. 
Tom Bowline. 
Oh ! I kin see that plain enuf, but I thought ye might 
be knowin' where he wuz ? 

Pttyt t ts 
[Hotly.] Well, if I did I 'wouldn't tell you. No, I 
wouldn't peach on a sailor for all the world. 

Tom Bowline. 
Ye wuddent? 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 23 

Phyllis. 
[Firmly.'] No ! 

Tom Bowline. 
Begob, I loike ye fer that. 

Phyllis. 
I^m glad you like me^ Mr. Bowline. 

Tom Bowline. 
Tom Bowline, ef ye plaise. 

Phyllis. 
[Aside.'] I wish he would go. [Aloud.] Well, Tom, 
you won^t be finding your middy if you linger around 
here. 

Tom Bowline. 
[Looks slyly at the decanters on the sideboard.] I 
wuz thinkin', Miss, a drop 0^ grog wud steady me 
nerves. 

Phyllis. 
[Goes to the sideboard, gets a decanter and a 
glass — and serves Tom a fair bumper.] 

Tom Bowline. 
Ah ! h ! h ! — That's the woine to warrum the cockles 
of yer heart. 

Phyllis. 
You don't get grog like that in the navy. 

Tom Bowline. 
'Dade we don't. [Regarding her slyly over his 
glass.] Just a wee drappy more ? 

Phyllis. 
[Regards him reprovingly, but pours out an^ 



24 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART. 

other glass, which Tom drinks with great 
pleasure.~\ 

Tom Bowline. 
[Warmed iy the liquor now becomes communicative, 
and regarding her slyly, says.'] Sure^ yer a trim craft, 
xna colleen an^ yer under full sail to-day. 

Phyllis. 
[Courtesying.'] It's a pretty dress, isn't it? 

Tom Bowline. 
[Proudly,'] Oil take me oath ye've got a lover. 

Phyllis. 
[Wi7^ affected confidence.] Well, Tom, I wouldn't 
deceive you — I have. 

Tom Bowline. 
May I be axin' his name, Miss ? 

Phyllis. 
Ha, ha, ha, — Oh ! you may ask all you like, but I 
shaVt tell you. [Pause.] He's a sailor, though. 

Tom Bowline. 
Bedad, Oi'd bet me life on that. [Pause.] Phwat^s 
your name? 

Phyllis. 
My name is Phyllis — Phyllis Eoberts. 

Tom Bowline. 
Yer not a Devonshire gurrul ? 

Phyllis. 
No, we came from Yorkshire. 

Tom Bowline. 
Wuz yer fader's name Eobert Plantaganet Pitzroy — 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 25 

Phyllis. 

No, ^twas just plain Eoy Koberts — He ran away to 
sea when I was a baby, and we^re never — seen him 
since. We think him dead. 

Tom Bowline, 

[ilstde.] Twenty year ago Oi had a mess mate by 
the name of Eobert Fitz-roy — [Scratching his chin, 
aside.'] Eoy Eoberts? [Pause.l Eobert Fitz-roy — 
their much the same — I wonder if this be his darter ? 

Phyllis. 
What did you say? 

Tom Bowline. 
[Evasively,'] Oi wuz sayin^, Miss, ^tis a funny wur- 
ruld we^re livin^ in. 

Phyllis. 
Oh ! I think it^s a beautiful world. 

Tom Bowline. 
An^ so it is, Miss. 

[He starts toivard the door, hut turns and looks 
slyly at Phyllis.] 

Phyllis. 
[Knowingly.] No, no, Tom — you had best be off. 

Tom Bowline. 
[Pleading.] Ah ! just wan drap more fer Auld Lang 
Syne. 

Phyllis. 
[Hesitating.] Well, then, for Auld Lang Syne. 

[She hands Tom the decanter. 



26 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

Tom Bowline. 
{^Fills a hrimming bumper, seeing which Phyllis 
quickly takes the decanter aiuay from him. For an in- 
stant he regards the glass, then says, half aside.'] Shiver 
me timbers^ but that^s a hooker. [^He drinks.'] Oi kin 
feel that in the tips o' me toes. [More elated.] Kin 
ye sing, Miss ? 

Phyllis. 
[Assents.] 

Tom Bowline. 
An^ dance the hornpipe? 

Phyllis. 
[Assents.] 

Tom Bowline. 
Then;, ho, for Bonnie Breast Knots. 

Phyllis. 
No, no, Tom, you must be off or you'll be getting in 
trouble. 

Tom Bowline. 
Ah! just a bit of the ditty fust. 

Phyllis. 
Well, will you promise to go, then? 

Tom Bowline. 
[Firmly.] Yis, Oi will. 

Phyllis. 
Well, then, ho for "Bonnie Breast Knots.'' 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 27 

MUSICAL XO. IV. 

DUO. 

Tom Bowline. 
Ye ho — ye ho — ya ho, ye ho, ye ho. 

Phyllis. 
Ye ho — ye ho — ye ho, ye ho, ye ho. 

Together. 
Ye ho — ye ho — ye ho. 
\They then sing the ivell known ballade ''Bonnie 
Breast I{nots/' \ 

Phyllis and Tom. 

Refrain. 

Hey the bonnie. Ho the bonnie. 

Hey the bonnie breast knots. 
Blithe and merry were the a', 

When they put on their breast kno^s. 



There was a bridal in our town, 
And to't the lasses a' were boun^, 

Wi' monnie facings on their gowns. 
And some 0' them had breast knots. 

Refrain, 
Singing, Hey the bonnie, etc. 

II. 

At nine o^clock the lads convene. 

Some clad in blue and some in green, 

Wi^ shining buckles ^i' their sheen 
And flowers on their waistcoats. 



28 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

Refrain, 
Singing;, Hey the bonnie^ etc. 

III. 

Out cam^ the wives a^ wi^ applause, 
And wished the lassies happy days, 

And muckle thought they on her claes, 
Especially the breast knots. 

Refrain. 
Singing, Hey the bonnie, etc. 

IV. 

The bride she was baith young and fair, 
Her neck outshone the pearlin rare, 

A satin snood bound np her hair, 
And flowers ^mong her breast knots. 

Refrain. 
Singing, Hey the bonnie, etc. 

V. 

The bridegroom gazed — but mair I ween. 
He prized the glance o^ lovers blue ^een. 

That made him proud o^ his swee Jean, 
When she got on her breast knots. 

Refrain. 

Singing, Hey the bonnie, etc. 

[At the conclusion of the ballad, they dance a 
sailor s hornpipe. Duringthe dance ToM be- 
comes more and more unsteady until finally 
he stumbles up against the door at bach, which 
he opens in order to catch a breath of fresh 
air.l 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 29 

Tom Bowline. 

Moi^ moi^ moi^ but it's warrum. [He braces him- 
self against the door,'] Sure me pins be gettin' wake. 
[Regarding Phyllis with pride.'] Ha^ you're a good 
sort^ you are. Will^ O'd best be gettin' under weigh or 
me middy'U be givin' me the schlip. Good morning 
Miss. . 

Phyllis. 
Call again^ will you? 

Tom Bowline. 

Sure that Oi will. [He stops and doffs his hat to 
her.] An' ef ever yer in trouble an' wants a frin', call 
on Tom Bowline. [He goes out.] 

Phyllis. 
Good bye, Tom. 

Tom Bowline. 
[Off scene.] Good day. Miss. 

Phyllis. 
[Aside, relieved.] Thank God, he's gone ! 

[Exit Tom Bowline. He passes unsteadily 
down the street in front of casement window^ 



30 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

SCENE VII. 
Re-enter Jack. 

[As he comes out of the door R. Phyllis advances and 
says earnestly,] 

Phyllis. 

Jack. Tom Bowline. has just been here looking for 
you. 

Jack. 
[Surprised.] What did he want of me ? 

Phyllis. 
[Eariiestly.] He came to arrest you. 

Jack. 
Arrest me for what? 

Phyllis. 
For coming ashore without the captain^s permission. 

Jack. 
[Much relieved.] Oh ! 

Phyllis. 
Ah;, Jack;, why did you take such a chance as that ? 

Jack. 
Phyllis, when a man^s in love he^ll take any chance 
in the world. 

Phyllis. 
[Reprovingly.] You should not have done that for 
me — 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 31 

Jack. 

I couldn't wait — when I heard that we would not be 
given leave until to-morrow — I couldn't stand it — and 
seeing a bum-boat alongside I dropped into it and 
bribed the man to row me ashore. I didn't think they'd 
miss me for an hour or so. [Pause,'] Now, I suppose, 
they'll scour the town until they run me down. 

Phyllis. 
Well, what Tvdll you do ? 

Jack. 
Stay here — 

Phyllis. 
And then ? 

Jack. 

Then I'll take my medicine like a man — Ha, ha, ha — 
bread and water for a week. 

Phyllis. 
Oh, that w411 be disgraceful. 

Jack. 

Well, I won't be the first midshipman that's been put 
in the hold for the same thing. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Calling off scene.'] Phyllis! 

Phyllis. 

[Motions to Jack to he silent. Quietly.] I'm very 
angry with you. Jack. [Stie goes out door R.] 



32 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

SCENE VIII. 

[Jack crosses to L., seats himself in one of the easy 
chairs before the fireplace, wondering how his es- 
capade will end. When the street door at back 
opens and enter Sir Eichard Cruthers. He is a 
typical old English squire, about sixty years of age 
robust, corpulent and gouty. He walks with a 
heavy cane, which he continually strikes upon the 
floor as he impatiently struts up and down waiting 
for some one to come. Jack arises and they con- 
front each other. Both are greatly surprised at 
the unexpected meeting.'] 

Jack. 

[Aside, arises in surprise and says.] Blast my eyes, 
it^s my uncle^ Sir Eichard Cruthers. 

Sir Eichard. 
God^ bless me. Is it you, Jack ? 

Jack. 

Yes, uncle — home at last — Egad ! you are the picture 
of health, sir ! 

Sir Eichard. 
I^m in fine fettle, me boy, an' if it werrn't for a 
twinge of the gout now and then I'd be as spry as you 
buckles. Where's your captain? I was told I'd likely 
find him here. 

Jack. 
He's not come ashore yet, sir. 

Sir Eichard. 
Why the devil are you here, then ? 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART zz 

Jack. 
I^m ashore on important business^ sir. [^Aside.l 
That's no lie. 

Sir Eichard. 

Ah! I see. Well^ Jack^ it's fortunate Fve met yon, 
for I, too^ have some important business to speak to yon 
about. 

Jack. 

Indeed^ sir — 

Sir Eichard. 

Yes, as executor of your father's estate, it is my duty 
to give you an accounting. 

Jack. 
That's very good of you, sir. 

Sir Eichard. 

When you joined the fleet, the indebtedness of the 
estate was unknown to me, but since then I have 
learned that the debts will amount to an enormous 
sum. 

Jack. 
\TJneasihj.'] I trust we shall be able to pay them all. 

Sir Eichard. 
Yes, Jack, but Brenton Manor will have to be sold 
to do it. 

Jack. 
{^Surprised.'] You don't mean that, sir ? 

Sir Eichard. 
Yes, it's the only asset of real value left. 



34 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

Jack. 
Is there no way to save the old home — Oh, surely 
there must be. 

Sir Eichard. 
None that I know of. The creditors are pressing us, 
and you know I have not the means to help you. 

Jack. 

Yes, yes. 

Sir Eichard. 
'ISadly.'] To-morrow the old home must be sold at 
auction. 

Jack. 
[WalTcs up and down half dazed, then stops suddenly 
and laughs bitterly.] Ha, ha, ha, Brenton Manor un- 
der the hammer. This is a sad awakening. 

Sir Eichard. 
[Kindly.] I know it is, lad. 

Jack. 
I thought I might have enough left to keep the old 
home, but if that goes I am practically a pauper. 

Sir Eichard. 
That's the condition of affairs I'm sorry to say. Per- 
haps I should have broken it to you more gently, — ^but 
j^ou know me. Jack, — I'm blunt and honest. 

Jack. 
Oh ! I'm not blaming you, sir. I'm sure you've done 
the best you could. 

Sir Eichard. 
That I have, my boy. 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 35 

Jack. 
It's a bitter pill just the same. 

Sir Eichard. 
I know that, my lad — but it's an ill wind that blows 
nobody any good. [He slaps Jack on the shoulder,'] 
What would you say if I were to discover a way for 
you not only to repair your fortune, but become the 
possessor of one of the finest estates in England ? 

Jack. 
I should say you were crazy, sir. 

Sir Eichard. 

Egad! I wouldn't blame ye. Ha, ha, ha. [Seri- 
ously.] But suppose it were possible ? 

Jack. 

Then I would say you were the best friend I have in 
the world. 

Sir Eichard. 
Well, sir, it is possible. 

Jack. 

I presume there would be some conditions attached to 
such an arrangement? 

Sir Eichard. 
Of course ! Of course ! 

Jack. 
Would it be necessary for me to give up my career in 
the Navy? 

Sir Eichard. 
That would be as the lady may wish. 



36 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

Jack. 
You have never mentioned any lady in the matter, 
sir. 

Sir Eichard. 
Haven't I? 

Jack. 

No, sir. Am I to marry in the bargain? 

Sir Eichard. 
Of course, you scamp. How else do you suppose you 
are to become the possessor of a fine estate. 

Jack. 
Then I am sorry I shall have to disappoint you. 

Sir Eichard. 
Now, see here, Jack; I shall lose all patience with 
you. First, you are all condescension and gratitude. 
Then you resent the opportunity I offer you. May I 
ask why you refuse my suggestion? 

Jack. 

For the best reason in the world, sir — my heart is 
given to another. 

Sir Eichard. 
A lady of quality, I suppose ? 

Jack. 
No, a country girl. 

Sir Eichard. 
Has she any money ? 

Jack. 
Not a copper! 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 37 

Sir Richard. 
I thought as much. 

Jack. 

But I wouldn^t give her for the richest heiress in the 
land. 

Sir Eichard. 
No? [Strutting up and down.] What^s her name? 

Jack. 

[Guardedly,] 1^11 tell you that when you tell me the 
name of your charmer. 

Sir Eichard. 
ni bet my life yours is a barmaid. 

Jack. 
1^11 bet yours is an old frump and a hump back and a 
hooked nose. 

Sir Eichard. 

None of your insolence, sir. None of your insolence. 
Egad ! if she were hump-backed, hook-noosed and cock- 
eyed, she^d be too good for a scamp like you. 

Jack. 
Ha, ha, ha! 

Sir Eichard. 

Do you 'suppose a fine estate is going to drop plump 
into your lap, like an apple from a tree ? 

Jack. 
No, but I demand the right to choose my own wife. 

Sir Eichard. 
There you go again. There you go. Hot and hasty. 
Just as though beggars could be choosers. 



/ 



38 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

Jack. 
Well, this beggar proposes to do his own choosing, I 
promise yon. 

Sir Eichard. 
All right, yon fool, choose a pretty face and lose 
Kensmaire Castle. 

Jack. 
[Amazed.'] Kensmaire Castle — So that^s the estate 
yon had in view? 

Sir Eichard. 
[Somewhat embarrassed.] Yes. 

Jack. 

Ha, ha, ha — Why, nncle, yon are "batty in yonr 
bnn/^ 

Sir Eichard. 
What do yon mean by that, sir ? 

Jack. 
Yon^re as crazy as a loon. 

Sir Eichard. 
Ami? Ami? 

Jack. 
Yon know perfectly well the Earl of Kensmaire died 
intestate. 

Sir Eichard. 
I don^t know where he died. 

Jack. 
I said he died intestate — died withont an heir. 

Sir Eichard. 
Oh! 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 39 

Jack. 
That's why the estate has been in the courts so long. 

Sir Eichard. 
Nobody dies without an heir^ you fool. 

Jack. 
Well, they haven't found an heir yet ? 

Sir Eichard. 
NO;, but I've learned that the Earl had a daughter. 

Jack. 
Have you found her yet? 

Sir Eichard. 
No, but I will— 

Jack. 
Well, if you do — you'll do more than the lawyers 
have done these many years. 

Sir Eichard. 
Come, my bucky, will you marry her if I find her ? 

Jack. 
Ha, ha, ha, you'll never find her. 

Sir Eichard. 
Well, will you marry her if I do? 

Jack. 

Yes, for I'm sure you are on a wild goose chase. 

Sir Eichard. 
Well, my boy, I'll hold you to your word. And I'll 
find her if I have to search all England. 



40 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

' Jack. 
Ha^ ha^ ha. That's rights uncle^ never say die. Oh, 
1^11 marry her if she's as homely as a hedge fence — 

Sir Eichard. 
Egad ! if she is^, FU have the laugh on you, Jack — 
ha, ha, ha. I'll have the laugh on you. 

Jack. 
Well, if you don't find her I'll have the laugh o*q you, 
sir — ha, ha, ha ! [He chatices to look out the casement 
window and stops laughing suddenly. Aside.} Tom 
Bowline, as sure as I'm a haddock. He's got me this 
time. 

Sir Eichard. 
What are you looking at out there ? 

Jack. 

[Decoying his uncle to the window.} See the flag- 
ship is signaling. [His uncle looks intently out. 
Pause. He now leaves his uncle, goes to the street door, 
partly opens it, stands irresolute a moment, then turns 
and sees the door L. open leading into the bed room of 
Phyllis and says, aside.} Ko, Tom Bowline, this is 
the time I'll give you the slip. 

[He slams the door shut and runs into the bed 

room L., closing the door noiselessly after 

him.} 

Sir Eichard. 
[Now turns under the impression that Jack has 
passed into the street. Aside.} Their signals are all 
Greek to nie. 

[He then passes to centre stage with his back to 
the door.} 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 41 

SCEJfE IX. 

Re-enter Tom Bowline. 

[Tom comes past the casement window, opens the door 
and peeps in. He is greatly surprised at seeing 
Sir Eichard alone. After a moment's hesitation, 
he enters and closes the door. At this instant Sir 
Eichard turns and sees him. Tom instantly doffs 
his hat.l^ 

Tom Bowline. 
[Politely.'] Axin^ yer pardon, governor. Is Mid- 
shipman Hurley hereabouts? 

Sir Eichard. 
He went out this instant. 

Tom Bowline. 
[Dumbly.'] Out where? 

Sir Eichard. 
Out the door there. [Pointing to the street door.] 

Tom Bowline. 
[Aside.] Thin Oi must be blind. 

Sir Eichard. 
He's probably out there now. 

Tom Bowline. 

[Opens the street door and looks up and down, comes 
tack and says.] He's not there, sor. 

Sir Eichard. 
Well, if my nephew is not there I don't know where 
he is. 



42 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

Tom Bowline. 
[Aside.] He's gi' me the sclilip. [LooMng at door 
L. Aloud.'] So Midshipman Hurley is your nephew, 
sor? 

Sir Eichard. 
Yes, what do you want with him ? 

Tom Bowline. 
Oi have a message for him from our captain. 

[Puts his hand in his jacket pocket and feels for 
the hand cuffs.] 

Sir Eichard. 
[Advances and looks in Tom's face.] It seems to me 
Fve seen you before, my man. What is your name ? 

Tom Bowline. 
Tom Bowline, sor. 

Sir Eichard. 
[Reflecting.] Were you ever employed by the old 
Earl of Kensmaire? 

Tom Bowline. 
I was, sor, whin a boy — an' whin his son runned 
away to sea, I tuk ship wid 'im. 

Sir Eichard. 
Good. How long ago was that ? 

Tom Bowline. 
Nigh twenty year ago this spring. 

Sir Eichard. 

[Drawing a miniature from his pocket.] Do you 
recognize his portrait? 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 43 

Tom Bowline. 

[Looking intently at it.\ Bedad that^s him. Oh, 
moi^ but he wuz a handsome boy. 

Sir Richard. 

Indeed he was. [Showing the back of miniature.^ 
Can you read the inscription. 

Tom Bowline. 
IsTot very well, sor. 

Sir Richard. 
[Reading,'] To my loving wife, Mary. [Pause.] 
June the sixteenth, 1759 — Robert Plantaganet Fitzroy. 

Tom Bowline. 
That must a bin when he was married. 

Sir Richard. 
Then you knew he was married? 

Tom Bowline. 
Sure, he towld me hisself he wuz married secretly. 

Sir Richard. 
Did you know he had a daughter ? 

Tom Bow^line. 
He towld me he had a baby gurrul at 'ome, sir. 

Sir Richard. 
When did he tell you that ? 

Tom Bowline. 
Just afore he died in Kingston, Jamaiky. 

Sir Richard. 
Then you were with him when he died? 



44 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

Tom Bowline. 
Oi wuz. 

Sir Eichard. 
Did he leave any letters or trinkets with you ? 

Tom Bowline. 
He left some old letters. 

Sir Eichard. 

[Greatly excited.'] Great Heavens^ man, why didn't 
you tell me this before? 

Tom Bowline. 
Ye wuddent gi' me a chance. 

Sir Eichard. 
Have you those letters? 

Tom Bowline. 
They bees in me chist, aboord the Shannon. 

Sir Eichard. 
Get them at once, my man. TheyTl give us a clue to 
his wife and daughter. [Tom hesitates.'] Well ! Why 
don't you go ? 

Tom Bowline. 
[Resolutely.] Oi'll not go wi'out me middy. 

Sir Eichard. 
Tell your Captain 1^11 be responsible for him. 

Tom Bowline. 
Yer will? 

Sir Eichard. 
Yes, tell him Sir Eichard Cruthers stands sponsor 
for his nephew. 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 45 

Tom Bowline. 
So you bees Sir Eichard Cruthers? 

Sir Eichard. 
Yes. 

Tom Bowline. 

Thin mebbe yer knows me Captain. Cap^n Hawtree 
'ees of the gentry. 

Sir Eichard. 

Ha, ha, ha, 1 should say I did. We went to school 
together — ^but never mind about that. [Impatiently, '] 
Hurry — hurry. Get those papers and we'll find the 
heir to Kensmaire Castle. Go— go ! 

[He pushes ToM out of the door.'] 



46 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

SCENE X. 

Sir Eichard. 

[Greatly elated — aside.'] Gad! if I get the evidence 
now — 1^11 have the laugh on Jack. Then 1^11 make him 
dance to my tune. Ha, ha, ha. Hot and hasty and a 
bit of the devil is Jack. [Sighing.] Ah! well, I 
shouldn^t say much, for I was a bit of a devil myself 
when I was young. 

MUSICAL NO. 5. 

BARITONE SOLO. 

Refrain. 
Oh, give me back those youthful days, 

Those days so blythe and gay, 
When free from care, I loved to roam, 

And while the hours away. 
'Twas then my heart was touched by love, 

And life had just begun. 
Then give me back those days of yore, 

Wliilst still my heart is young. 



When I was young and in my teens, 

I loved to go a-hunting, 
And o'er the hills and dales I. rode. 

Upon my Baby Bunting. 
They called me Dick the devil then, 

No hedge nor ditch could stay me, 
* For over all I flew with ease. 

Upon my little Baby. 

Refrain. 
Oh, give me back those youthful days, etc. 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 47 

TI. 

As I grew up to be a man, 

My tastes were less for sporting, 
I sought the maids within my shire. 

And then began my courting. 
^Twas then that I forgot my mare, 

Mj^ dashing little Baby. 
For I had found a country lass, 

And she became my lady. 

Refrain. 
Oh;, giye me back those youthful days^ etc. 



III. 

Though now we sit at home, at ease, 

Our faithful vows renewing, 
We long for those delightful days. 

When we were both a-wooing. 
Time tinges all, my hair is gray. 

The years are fast retreating. 
Yet I am happy *still alway, 

For light my heart is beating. 

Eefrain. 
Oh, give me back those youthful days, etc. 
[At the conclusion of the ballad Sir Eichard 

looks out of the casement window and says 

excitedly.~\ 

Sir Eichard. 

[Aside.'] Ah! here comes my man at last. [He 
comes down.'] Now for the truth. 



48 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

SCENE XI. 

Re-enter Tom Bowline. 

[Tom rushes past the casement window and comes in 
through the street door. As he does so he doffs his 
hat to Sir Eichard and hands him a packet of 
papers,'] 

Tom Bowline. 
[Catching his breath.'] ^Ere they are, guvenor — ^ere 
they are. 

Sir Eichard. 
[Excitedly,] Good^ my man^ — that was quick work. 
[He hurriedly scans the packet.] They are all ad- 
dressed in the same hand writing. 

Tom Bowline. 
They are from his wife^ sor. 

Sir Eichard. 
Hold^ but here^s one addressed to Mary Eoberts. 

Tom Bowline. 
He guv me that afore he died, and I^ve kept it these 
many years, hopin^ I might find her. 

Sir Eichard. 
Of course, of course. Well, Tom, the information 
we want is in that letter. Shall we open it ? 

Tom Bowline. 
[Amazed.] Lor^, sor, I wuddent dare. 

Sir Eichard. 
[Hesitates.] I think we are justified. [He breaks 
the seal.] Ah! as I expected, addressed to his dear 
wife, Mary. [Pause.] Mary Eoberts is his wife, that's 
clear. [Reading rapidly.] And here you see he men- 
tions his daughter Phyllis. [Greatly excited.] But 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 49 

look^ man; look — he signs himself Eobert Plantaganet 
Fitzroy, son of the Earl of Kensmaire. If you can 
swear to that writing ^twill be the best proof in the 
world. 

Tom Bowline. 
Oi can, sor. I saw him write that letter wid his own 
hands. 

Sir Eichard. 
[Joyfully.'] Ha;, ha, ha. Then we have the proof. 

Tom Bowline. 
Oi^m glad 0^ that, sor. 

Sir Eichard. 
Now, where is Mary Eoberts and her daughter, Phyl- 
lis? 

Tom Bowline. 
Here, sor. 

Sir Eichard. 
[Amazed.'] Are you crazy? 

Tom Bowline. 

Devil a bit. Sure, ^tis Mary Eoberts as runs this 
Grain Dragon, an^ she has a darter Phyllis. I think 
they'll be the parties yer be lookin' for. 

Sir Eichard. 
Well, we'll soon find out. Call Mrs. Eoberts, will 
you? 

Tom Bowline. 

[Goes to the door R., raps, at which Mrs. Egb- 
erts appears.] 



50 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

SCENE XII. 
Re-enter Mrs. Egberts. 

Tom Bowline. 
[Bowing.'] Beggin^ yer pardon [Bowing'], Sir Kich- 
ard Cruthers be callin^ on ye, ma^m. 

Mrs. Eoberts. 

[Advances toward Sir Eichard, but with some appre- 
hension, aside.] Sir Eichard Cruthers? 

Sir Eichard. 
[Noting her embarrassment, says hindly.] I am 
very glad to meet you, Mrs. Eoberts. I see you are 
from the North country like myself. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Nods in assent.] 

Sir Eichard. 
You married the son of my old friend, the Earl of 
Kensmaire — Eobert Fitzroy, did you not ? 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Stands silent, not knowing wliat to answer.] 

Sir Eichard. 
[In a kindly manner.] Come, come, my good woman, 
have no fear, I am your friend. You are the legal wife 
of Eobert Plantaganet Fitzroy, are you not? 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Silently assents.] 

Sir Eichard. 
You have a daughter Phyllis? 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 51 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Assents,'] 

Sir Richard. 
Do you know that your daughter is the heir to Kens- 
maire Castle. 

Mrs. Roberts. 
[Sadly.-] Yes. 

Sir Richard. 
[Amazed.] You knew it, then? 

Mrs. Roberts. 
Yes. 

Sir Richard. 
Well, why have you kept this secret so many years — 
and hidden yourself here under the name of Roberts ? 

Mrs. Roberts. 
[Gathering courage.] Because the old Earl was very 
bitter toward us and we swore never to touch a penny 
of his money. That is why Roy changed his name and 
ran away to sea. 

Sir Richard. 
Yes, yes; I can understand that, but your daughter? 
You have a right to consider her. 

Mrs. Roberts. 
[Proudly.] We are not paupers, sir ! 

Sir Richard. 
[Coming to the point.] May I see your daughter? 

Mrs. Roberts. 
[Assents. She goes to the door R. and calls.] Phyl- 
lis! [Returning, she says to Sir Richard.] She^s a 
bonnie lass, sir. 



52 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

SCENE XIII. 

Re-enter Phyllis. 

\^Slie comes out gaily singing ''My face is my fortune, 
etc./' but stops suddenly when she sees Sir Rich- 
ard and Tom B.] 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Goes to her and says.'] Phyllis, this is Sir Rich- 
ard Cruthers. [Leading her to Sir Richard, she says.'] 
This is my daughter, sir. 

Sir Richard. 
[Delighted.] Ah! she is a bonnie lass, indeed. [To 
Phyllis.] I have some good news for yon, my lass. 

Phyllis. 
For me? 

Sir Richard. 
You are heiress of Kensmaire Castle. 

Phyllis. 
I? 

Sir Richard. 
Yes, your father was the only son of the old Earl, 
and as both your father and the Earl are dead, you are 
the direct descendent and therefore inherit the estate. 

Phyllis. 
[Surprised.] I? [Then, laughing incredulously.'] 
Ha, ha, ha. I? 

Sir Richard. 
^Tis true, ask your mother. 

Phyllis. 
[LooTcs toward her mother, who assents.] Then Fm 
really an heiress? 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 53 

Sir Eichard. 

Yes^ and if you refuse the honor, the estate will go to 
the crown. 

Tom Bowline. 
Bedad, that would be a crime. 

Phyllis. 

l^Gaily.'] Eefuse to be mistress of Kensmaire 
Castle? [Laughing.] Ha, ha, ha. Never, never, 
never ! 

Sir Eichard. 

I am very glad. [To Mrs. Egberts.] You see, 
your daughter has accepted. Forget the affront of the 
old Earl. Come, help make your daughter Lady Fitz- 
roy. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Though moved by the appeal, hesitates.'] 

Phyllis. 
[Seeing her mother hesitate, runs and throws her 
arms around her neck, saying.] Mother ! Mother ! ! 
You^U never have to work any more; you shall have a 
maid to Avait upon you, a dozen flunkies to do your bid- 
ding — a coach and four with postillions in livery — you 
shall wear silks and satins and be presented at court, 
everybody shall bow and say my lady — think what that 
means, mother; think what that means? 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Quietly.] Aye ! aye ! my lass, I know what these 
things mean; they are empty baubles; they come too 
late for me. But you, my bonnie lass, you who are in 
the hey-dey of youth, ye shall drink of them to your 
fill. [She kisses her tenderly.] 



54 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

Phyllis. 
Ah! now Jack and I shall be married? 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Aye, lass. 

Phyllis. 
Ah, mother ; now I'm happy ! happy ! ! happy ! ! ! 
[Releasing her mother and throwing her arms up in 
ecstasy.'] I'm so happy. 

Sir Eichard. 
[To Mrs. Egberts.] Has your daughter a lover? 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Yes, she's about to marry Midshipman Hurley, sir. 

Sir Eichard. 
God, bless me ; you don't mean Jack Hurley ? 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Yes, Master Jack Hurley. 

Sir Eichard. 
[Amazed.] Why, he's my nephew. Well, well, well 
— I'm dumbfounded. 

Tgm Bowline. 
Sure, it's miracles as bees happenin' these days. 

Sir Eichard. 
Egad ! it's nothing short of a miracle. 

Phyllis. 
I hope you w^on't object, sir. 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 55 

Sir Eichard. 
Object ? Ha^ ha^ ha. Xot I ; he's found the very 
girl I had picked out for him, although I never knew 
her. \To Tom B.] Shall we tell her the joke? 

Tom Bo^vline. 
No, not yet, sor — we must take it out of Master Jack 
first. 

Sir Eichard. 
[To Tom.] Aye, this is the time we'll have the 
laugh on Jack. Ha, ha, ha ! 

Tom Bowline. 
[To Sir Eichard.] Bedad, we'll make him dance a 
hornpipe before he gets her. 

Sir Eichard. 
Aye, that we will. [To Phyllis.] Well, if you 
are going to marry my nephew, I suppose you won't 
object to sealing the bargain with a kiss. 

Phyllis. 
No, for I like you, sir. [She comes over and em- 
braces him.'] 

Sir Eichard. 
[Patting Phyllis on the head.] You're a prize, 
my lass. I'm proud of my Jack for having picked you 
out. 

Mrs. Eoberts. 
Will yer Lordship have a glass of grog? 

Sir Eichard. 
[Gayly.] Aye! that we will; we'll drink the health 
of Lady PhvUis Fitzroy and Sir John Hurley. 



56 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

SCENE XIV. 

[Mrs. Egberts fills the glasses and hands them to 
Phyllis, who politely passes one to Sir Kichard 
and the other one to Tom.] 

MUSICAL NO. 6. 

QUARTET. 

Sir Eichard. 
[Takes the glass of grog, raises it high and sings.] 
[Recit,'] 

Fill iip^ fill up^ — a brimming bumper 

Now well all enjoy. 

A health to yon^ good madame — 
[Bowing to Mrs. Egberts.] 

And unto you^ fair Lady Fitzroy. 
[Bows to Phyllis.] - 

Tom Bowline. 

[Recit,'] 

Long life to ye^ ma colleen, 
[He hows to Phyllis.] 

I^m Tom, yer frind, ye see. 

These papers ^ere IVe brought ye, 

Prove yer identity. 
[He tahes the letters from Sir Eichard and 

hands them to Phyllis.] 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Recit,'] Oh! thank you, sir. 

Phyllis. 
[Recit. Courtesying.'] Oh ! thank you, Tom. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[RecitJ] For this proud moment I have waited long. 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 57 

Refrain, 
[All sing.'] 

Fill up ! fill up ! ! drain the glass dry^ 
'Tis a fortunate day that we all should enjoy, 
Then here^s to the health of our Lady Fitzroy, 
To our Lady — To our Lady! 

I. 

Tom Bowline. 

[Solo.] 
The Frenchman prefers his red wine, 

That induces to song and to wooing, 
The German, more steadfast, inclines 

To his beer, which he ever is brewing. 
The Dutchman, who once ruled the sea. 

Loves his pipe and his schnapps so inviting. 
But the sailors of England agree, 

^Tis the grog that they want when they^re fighting. 

Refrain. 
Fill up, fill up, etc. 

II. 

Mrs. Egberts. 

[Solo.] 
The brew of old England is beer. 

The wine of the Scotchman is whiskey, 
But there^s nothing that gives half the cheer, 

As a glass of good grog — though it^s risky. 
Then remember old Admiral Drake, 

Who when told that his rum was enticing. 
Replied that he didn^t mucH care. 

If he got quite enough to his liking. 

Refrain. 
Fill up, fill up, etc. 



58 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

III. 

Phyllis. 

[Solo,] 
The test of a true heart of oak, 

Is to fight for his King and the Nation, 
And the sailor who all find a joke, 

Is the one who ashore owns creation. 
This wight with his swagger and roll, 

Who forever his love is declaring, 
Will be sure to be found in the hold. 

When for battle the fleet is preparing. 

Refrain. 
Fill up, fill up, etc. 

^ IV. 

Sir Eichard. 

[Solo.] 
The landsmen know little of sea. 

Or the dangers encounter in fighting. 
And the sailor who roams o^er the lea, 

Finds the toil of the landsman affrighting, 
But when both are gathered around 

The table where laughter is veering 
They admit, by common consent. 

That grog is the liquor most cheering. 

Refrain. 
Fill up, fill up, etc. 

[As the quartet concludes Jack is heard singing 
off scene.] 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 59 

Jack. 

Of all the stars that shine above, 

No matter where we roam, 
x\ sweetheart is the brightest one, . 

To guide a sailor home, 
Then loose all saij before the gale, 

Ye Jackies of the main, 
For we are homeward bound at last. 

To greet our loves again. 

Sir Eichard. 
[He approaches Mrs. Egberts and Phyllis, i?.] 
I beg yon let me have a word alone with Jack, 
For Tom and I have something now to say. 

Mrs. Egberts. 
[Assents knowingly.^ 

Phyllis. 
But let him not be taken from me now, 

[Pleading.'] 
Ah ! take him not away. Ah ! take him not away. 

Sir Eichard. 
[Spoken kindly.] Fear not. I am your friend. 

[Exit Mrs. Egberts and Phyllis. Sir Eich- 
ard passes to the door R. and holds it open 
for them to enter. They go in.] 
[The instant Sir Eichard closes the door R. he 
goes over to Tom, who is centre stage and 
says rapidly.] 

Sir Eichard. 
Xow for your middy Tom — we'll pay him back in full 
before he gets the girl. 

Tom Bgwlixe. 
[Exultantly.] Aye ! that we will, sor. 



6o A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

SCENE XV. 
Re-enter Jack. 

[Jack enters on the instant, liumming the last few 

bars of his refrain. ToM^ who has' passed to the 

left of the street door, is therefore hidden from 

Jack as he comes in, the door opening inward.~\ 

[Gayly.'] Well^ imcle^ I hope you are in better spirits 

than when I left yon. 

Sir Eichard. 
Aye ! that I am, my lad. Ha, ha, ha. Look at me. 
[He tahes Jack hy both shoulders and loolcs him 
square in the face.'] 

Jack. 
[Gravely.] Yoii certainly are in a good hnmor, sir. 

Tom Bowline. 
[Comes over and touches Jack on the arm and 
at the same time shahes the hand cuffs in his 
pocket.] 

Sir Eichard. 
[Observing Tom beside Jack, discreetly crosses 
to the fireplace and tahes up a clay pipe which 
he leisurely ^ fills with tobacco during the 
conversation between ToM B. and Jack.] 

Jack. 
[Turns suddenly and sees Tom and says toith affected 
composure.] Well, Tom? 

Tom Bowline. 
Oi\e me orders to bring ye aboord, sor. [Then con- 
descendingly .] Oi ^opes yer'll be comin^ genteel loike, 
else Oi^ll have ye putt the irons on ye. 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 6i 

Jack. 
You'll not need the irons for me, Tom. [Looking 
him square in the face.] Oh, I'll take my medicine. 

[Pause.] But I can't go yet— not just yet. 

[LLe walks to the door R., opens it, hut seeing 
no one closes it and returns to ToM B. centre 
stage.] 

Tom Bowline. 
Sure, the Captain'll not be waitin' very long fer ye, 
sor. Ye knows Cap'n Hawtree? 

Jack. 
[Attempting to laugh.] Oh, yes, I know him, Tom, 
excuses won't do with him. 

Tom Bowline. 
'Dade they won't, sor. [He ivalks up closer to Jack 
and whispers in his ear.] Don't ye think the governor 
there [Nodding totuard Sir Eichard] culd putt m a 
good wurrud wi' the capt'n fer ye? 

Jack. 

[To ToM.[ I'll try him. [He walks over to Sir 
Eichard and says.] 'Uncle! [Sir Eichard turns.] 
Uncle, I'm in a bit of a scrape, I wonder if you won't 
help me out. 

Sir Eichard. 

[With affected ignorance.] How much will it cost 
me this time ? 

Jack. 

Oh, it's not a question of money, I assure you, sir. 
It's your influence I need this time. 



62 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

Sir Eichard. 
Indeed ? * 

Jack. 

[Bluntly.'] The truth is, sir, I've come ashore with- 
out leave. 

Sir Eichard. 
[Gravely.] I suspected as much, when you told me 
you were in love with a country girl. 

Jack. 

[Hangs Ms head in disgrace and then looks up slyly 
at his uncle.] Well, uncle, you shouldn't forget that 
you were young once. 

Sir Eichard. 
Egad! I don't. Jack, and I'll do what I can to 
square you with my old friend Hawtree, but 

Jack. 
[Delighted.'] You will, sir? 

Sir Eichard. 
Yes. 

Jack. 

[Grabs his uncle s hand and shakes it' warmly.] Gad, 
but you're a trump, sir. 

Sir Eichard. 
[Reprovingly.] But it's time these escapades ceased. 
A while ago you promised me that if I could find the 
heiress of Kensmaire Castle you would marry her. 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 63 

Jack. 

[Somewhat taken aback.'] I did, sir. 

Sir Eichard. 
[Exultantly.] Well, Jack, my boy, weVe found her. 

Jack. 
[Dumbfounded.] I can^t believe it. 

Sir Eichard. 
'Tis true. [Pause.] Ask Tom. 

Jack. 
[Tur7is and looks enquiringly at Tom B.] 

Tom Bowline. 

^Tis true, Master Hurley. [Whispering in his ear.] 
An^ she^s a beauty. 

Jack. 

[Desperately.] Oh, God, was ever man placed in a 
more horrible position. [Aside.] I love Phyllis and 
yet I have given my word of honor to marry another. 



64 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

MUSICAL NO. 7. 

TENOR SOLO. 
I. 

I knew not what my fate would be, 

When to my uncle carelessly, 
My honored word I gave so free, 

That I his choice would marry. 
Now to my sorrow and despair, 

He^s found the heiress of Kensmaire, 
And as she is both rich and fair, 

He will not let me tarry. 

II. 

But I, alas, a maiden love. 

As fair- as any turtle dove, 
That wings the lofty heavens above. 

Upon its way rejoicing. 
And she loves me I know full well. 

For oft within a lowland dell. 
The old, old tale we'd often tell. 

Our love forever voicing. 

III. 

But now, alas ! I am forlorn, 

And wish that I had ne'er been born. 
Ah ! why from love must I be torn. 

Though high may be my station. 
Yet rank hath no delights for me. 

Who like a bird must e'er be free, 
Ah ! who would give his libertv, 

For wealth of all creation. 



A SAILORS SWEETHEART 65 

Refrain. 
Oh ! sorrow rends my heart in twaixi to-day, 

For ^tween my honor and my love Fni torn, 
If from my Phyllis I should go away, 

Vd curse the day that I was ever born. 
Oh ! pity me, all ye whose hearts are true, 

Wliat would you do if such your lot should be? 
I cannot bid my faithful love adieu, 

Ah ! pity me. Ah ! pity, pity, me — 

SiK ElCHAED. 

tVell, Jack, are you ready to wed the girl of my 
choice ? 

Jack:. 
[DesiJeratehj.'] Xo, no, I can% I can^t. 

Sir Eichard. 
She's rich and beautiful, and she'll l}e the means of 
saving Brenton Manor. 

Jack. 

[Dramatically.'] I can't do it, uncle; I love my little 
Phyllis and I wouldn't give her up for the wealth of 
the Indies. 

[At this instant Phyllis is heard singing off 
scene L.] 

Phyllis. 
Oh ! bless the winds that wafted you. 

Across the mighty main. 
Oh ! bless you, Jack, for coming back. 

To love me once again. 
I w^as so lonely when you left. 

But now I'm bright and gay. 
For you have come to me at last. 

My Jack, you've come to-day. 



66 A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 

SCENE XVI. 

[^As the song is concluding Tom B. comes up 
alongside of Jack and says.'\ 

Tom Bowline. 
[To Jack.] 'Tis she! 

Jack. 
[Fails to understand and exclaims.'] ^Tis Phyllis. 
[Phyllis comes running- out at this instant and 
Jack takes her in his arms.] 

Jack. 

Ah, Phyllis, my sweetheart. 

Sir Eichard. 
[Comes up and puts his arm on Jack^s shoulder.] 
Jack, you hold the heiress of Kensmaire in your arms. 

Jack. 
[Dumbly.] I? 

Sir Eichard. 
Yes, your sweetheart is Lady Fitzroy. 

Jack. 

[Amazed.] Phyllis, is it true? 

Phyllis. 
Yes, Jack. [Pause.] Will you love me just as much 
now that I am rich ? 

Jack. 
Eich or poor, I shall never love anyone else. Ha, ha, 
ha. I never suspected that you were an heiress when I 
asked you to be my wife. 

[Mrs. Egberts has come out during the above 
conversation, and advanced to the right of the 
lovers — she says.] 



A SAILOR'S SWEETHEART 67 

Mrs. Egberts. 
Aye ! Mister Hurley^ that's the very reason why you 
deserve her now. 

Tom Bowline. 
[To Jack.] Oi towld ye she were a beauty. 

Jack. 

She's a sailor's sweetheart, Tom. The fairest and 
sweetest in all England. 

Phyllis. 
[Coyly.] Are yon happy now^ Jack? 

Jack. 

[Emhracing lier.] Phyllis, I'm the happiest man in 
the w^orld. 

MUSICAL NO. 8. 

GRAND I^EFRAIN. 

Oh ! happiness ! — Oh, happiness ! ! 

The young and old forever greet thy reign, 
Thy smile hath turned our sorrows into joy, 

And bid us all be merry once again. 

The sailor's sweetheart is his guiding star, 
That leads him e'er rejoicing on his way. 

And love w^ill bring him safely o'er the bar 
Where happiness shall be his lot for aye. 

Oh, happiness ! — Oh, happiness ! ! 

The young and old forever greet thy reign. 
Thy smile hath turned our sorrows into joy. 

And bid us all be merry once again. 

CURTAIN. 



